Which Honda CR-V Version Should You Buy?
The Honda CR-V version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value low fuel consumption, acceleration, ground clearance or a simpler Gasoline powertrain. Among the measured versions, the fifth-generation 1.5 CVT FWD is quickest at 8.8 seconds to 100 km/h, while the sixth-generation 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD records the lowest combined consumption at 5.5 l/100 km and the highest output at 231 hp.
The Honda CR-V version to choose depends chiefly on whether you value low fuel consumption, acceleration, ground clearance or a simpler Gasoline powertrain. Among the measured versions, the fifth-generation 1.5 CVT FWD is quickest at 8.8 seconds to 100 km/h, while the sixth-generation 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD records the lowest combined consumption at 5.5 l/100 km and the highest output at 231 hp. For an older, economical used Honda CR-V, the fourth-generation-restyling 1.6 MT Diesel FWD uses 4.4 l/100 km combined. Buyers wanting a conventional fifth-generation AWD configuration can compare the 2.0 CVT at 150 hp with the 2.4 CVT at 186 hp: the latter gains 36 hp, reaches 100 km/h 1.7 seconds sooner and uses 0.3 l/100 km more combined. Prices, reliability records, engine problems and “years to avoid” are not measured in the supplied data.
Honda CR-V generations and the versions that matter
The first generation ran from October 1995 through December 2001 when its restyling is included. Both phases used an SUV 5-doors body. The original range contains 8 versions and the restyling contains 4. Every listed version is a 2.0 MT or 2.0 AT Gasoline model, with outputs from 128 to 147 hp and FWD or AWD. The measured combined consumption spans 9.7–10.6 l/100 km, while ground clearance is 200–210 mm.
The second generation ran from September 2001 through December 2006, including its restyling, as an SUV 5-doors. The original range contains 13 versions and the restyling contains 10. Choices expanded beyond 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT to 2.4 MT, 2.4 AT and 2.2 MT. Output reaches 162 hp, and the 2.2 MT Diesel produces 340 Nm. Ground clearance is 200–205 mm.
The third generation ran from September 2006 through August 2012 when its restyling is included. Both phases are SUV 5-doors, with 12 original versions and 14 restyled versions. The range includes 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.4 AT, 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT. The measured outputs run from 140 to 170 hp, while torque reaches 350 Nm in the restyled 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT Diesel versions. Ground clearance is consistently 185 mm.
The fourth generation ran from December 2011 through December 2018, including its restyling, as an SUV 5-doors. It has 12 original versions and 10 restyled versions. Original choices include 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.2 MT, 2.2 AT and 2.4 AT; the restyled range includes 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.4 CVT, 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT. The restyled 1.6 Diesel versions combine 120–160 hp with measured combined consumption of 4.4–5.1 l/100 km.
The fifth generation ran from October 2016 through January 2023, including its restyling, as an SUV 5-doors. The original range contains 16 versions, of which 12 are shown in the data, and the restyling contains 7. Its engine options include 1.5 MT, 1.5 CVT, 1.6 MT, 1.8 CVT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.0 CVT and 2.4 CVT, followed by 2.0 AT Hybrid versions in the restyling. Outputs span 120–212 hp, and measured combined consumption spans 4.4–8.4 l/100 km.
The sixth generation began in July 2022 and has no measured end date. This SUV 5-doors generation contains 5 versions: two 1.5 CVT Gasoline versions, a 2.0 AT Plug-in, and two 2.0 AT Hybrid versions. Output ranges from 190 to 231 hp. Most performance and economy figures are not measured, although the 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD records 5.5 l/100 km combined.
Honda CR-V engine specs and drivetrain comparison
Repeated names in the catalogue represent distinct FWD, AWD or power-output configurations. They are separated below by generation and output so that the exact database names remain intact.
| Generation and exact version | Output | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2.0 MT | 128–147 hp | 179–182 Nm | 1973 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| First, 2.0 AT | 128–147 hp | 179–182 Nm | 1973 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD/AWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT | 150–158 hp | 190–192 Nm | 1997–1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT | 150–158 hp | 190–192 Nm | 1997–1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD/AWD |
| Second, 2.4 MT | 162 hp | 220 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5–6 | FWD/AWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT | 162 hp | 220 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Second, 2.2 MT | 140 hp | 340 Nm | 2204 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Third, 2.0 MT | 150 hp | 192 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Third, 2.0 AT | 150 hp | 192 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Third, 2.4 AT | 166–170 hp | 220 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Third, 2.2 MT | 140–150 hp | 340–350 Nm | 2160–2204 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Third, 2.2 AT | 140–150 hp | 340–350 Nm | 2160–2204 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 MT | 150–155 hp | 190–195 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 AT | 150–155 hp | 190–195 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 2.4 AT | 190 hp | 220 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 2.2 MT | 150 hp | 350 Nm | 2199 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 2.2 AT | 150 hp | 350 Nm | 2199 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth restyling, 2.4 CVT | 188 hp | 245 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth restyling, 1.6 MT | 120–160 hp | 300–350 Nm | 1597 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth restyling, 1.6 AT | 160 hp | 350 Nm | 1597 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 9 | AWD |
| Fifth, 1.5 MT | 173 hp | 220 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth, 1.5 CVT | 190–193 hp | 243–248 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth, 1.6 MT | 120 hp | 300 Nm | 1597 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 MT | 155 hp | 192 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 AT | 155 hp | 192 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 CVT | 150 hp | 189 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.4 CVT | 184–186 hp | 244–245 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 1.8 CVT | 141 hp | 127 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 AT | 183–212 hp | 315 Nm | 1993 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 1 | FWD/AWD |
| Sixth, 1.5 CVT | 190 hp | 243 Nm | 1498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD/AWD |
| Sixth, 2.0 AT | 204 hp | 341 Nm | 1993 cc | Plug-in | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 1 | AWD |
| Sixth, 2.0 AT | 204–231 hp | 341 Nm | 1993 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 1 | FWD/AWD |
Power per litre clarifies the engineering trade-offs. The sixth-generation 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid produces approximately 115.9 hp per litre. The sixth-generation 190 hp 1.5 CVT produces approximately 126.8 hp per litre, while the fifth-generation 150 hp 2.0 CVT produces approximately 75.1 hp per litre. These ratios describe output relative to displacement; they do not measure reliability or maintenance cost.
Honda CR-V performance and mpg
For the fifth-generation 1.5 CVT, the 190 hp FWD version reaches 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and uses 7.8 l/100 km combined; its 190 hp AWD counterpart takes 9.0 seconds and uses 8.1 l/100 km. AWD therefore adds 0.2 seconds and 0.3 l/100 km in these measured versions. Top speed is not measured for either.
The fifth-generation 1.5 MT makes 173 hp. FWD reaches 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, has a 210 km/h top speed and uses 6.3 l/100 km combined. AWD takes 9.3 seconds, reaches 208 km/h and uses 6.6 l/100 km. The measured FWD advantage is 0.1 second, 2 km/h and 0.3 l/100 km.
For naturally aspirated AWD choices, the fifth-generation 2.0 CVT has 150 hp, 189 Nm, an 11.9-second acceleration time, a 188 km/h top speed and 7.5 l/100 km combined consumption. The 186 hp 2.4 CVT has 244 Nm, takes 10.2 seconds, reaches 190 km/h and uses 7.8 l/100 km. Its extra 359 cc brings 36 hp and 55 Nm, alongside the 1.7-second acceleration improvement.
The fourth-generation-restyling Diesel range is the economy-focused option. The 120 hp 1.6 MT FWD uses 4.4 l/100 km combined, reaches 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds and has a 182 km/h top speed. The 160 hp 1.6 MT AWD uses 4.9 l/100 km and takes 9.6 seconds; the 160 hp 1.6 AT AWD uses 5.1 l/100 km and takes 10.0 seconds. Choosing the more powerful Manual AWD version adds 40 hp and cuts 1.6 seconds while increasing combined consumption by 0.5 l/100 km.
In the fifth-generation restyling, the 212 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid AWD reaches 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, has a 180 km/h top speed and uses 6.2 l/100 km combined. The 183 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD takes 8.6 seconds, also reaches 180 km/h and uses 6.7 l/100 km. For the sixth-generation 204 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid and Plug-in versions, acceleration, top speed and consumption are not measured. The 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD has a measured top speed of 185 km/h and combined consumption of 5.5 l/100 km; acceleration is not measured.
Honda CR-V dimensions, weight and clearance
Exterior length, width and height are not measured in the supplied data, so Honda CR-V dimensions in inches, feet, centimetres or millimetres cannot be stated. The available size-related specifications are weight, ground clearance, fuel-tank volume and selected wheel sizes.
The first-generation 2.0 MT AWD at 147 hp has a 1490 kg kerb weight and 1900 kg gross weight, giving approximately 10.1 kg per hp. The early second-generation 150 hp 2.0 MT AWD weighs 1430 kg, improving that ratio to approximately 9.5 kg per hp. The fifth-generation 190 hp 1.5 CVT FWD weighs 1520 kg, or 8.0 kg per hp, while the sixth-generation 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD weighs 1730 kg, or approximately 7.5 kg per hp.
Ground clearance varies materially. First-generation examples reach 210 mm; second-generation versions provide 200–205 mm; the third generation generally has 185 mm; measured fourth-generation values span 155–187 mm; and fifth-generation versions reach 208 mm. The sixth-generation 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD has 190 mm, while clearance for the other sixth-generation versions is not measured.
Fuel-tank capacity is 58 litres across the first through fourth generations in the listed data. Fifth-generation examples use 57, 58 or 64 litres depending on version and phase. The sixth-generation 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid has a 53-litre tank; tank capacity for the other sixth-generation versions is not measured.
Recorded wheel sizes include 205/70 R15 and 205/65 R16 for several second-generation-restyling versions, 225/65 R17 and 225/60 R18 for selected fourth-generation versions, and 235/60 R18 with either 235/65 R17 or 235/55 R19 for fifth-generation 1.5 MT versions. Wheel sizes for versions without a database value are not measured.
Which Honda CR-V version should you buy?
Choose the fifth-generation 1.5 CVT FWD if measured acceleration is the priority. Its 190 hp, 243 Nm and 8.8-second time beat the corresponding AWD version by 0.2 seconds, and its 7.8 l/100 km combined figure is 0.3 l/100 km lower. Choose AWD instead where the drivetrain matters more than those measured differences.
Choose the fifth-generation 2.4 CVT AWD over the 2.0 CVT AWD when you want stronger conventional Gasoline performance. The 2.4 CVT provides 36 hp and 55 Nm more, raises top speed by 2 km/h and saves 1.7 seconds to 100 km/h, at a combined-consumption increase of 0.3 l/100 km.
Choose the fourth-generation-restyling 1.6 MT FWD if the lowest measured consumption matters most in an older CR-V. Its 4.4 l/100 km combined figure is 3.1 l/100 km below the fifth-generation 2.0 CVT AWD’s 7.5 l/100 km, though the Diesel has 30 hp less and 53 mm less ground clearance.
Choose the fifth-generation-restyling 2.0 AT Hybrid AWD for a measured balance of 212 hp, 315 Nm, 8.9-second acceleration, 6.2 l/100 km combined consumption and 208 mm clearance. Choose the sixth-generation 231 hp 2.0 AT Hybrid FWD when maximum listed output and the lowest measured combined consumption among the supplied sixth-generation versions take precedence; it adds 19 hp, uses 0.7 l/100 km less and has 18 mm less clearance than that fifth-generation-restyling AWD Hybrid.
A used Honda CR-V should ultimately be selected by the exact generation, version, output and drivetrain rather than by the model name alone. The supplied figures support comparisons of performance, consumption, weight and clearance, but purchase price, engine oil capacity, splash-shield specification, repair price, reliability, engine problems and years to avoid are not measured.